SASCO finds success through Vietnam lockdown
As the nationwide lockdown in Vietnam lifts, the country is eager to adjust to the new normal. With the sky open for domestic travel, the airline catering sector is especially enthused for a return to the cabin. The Southern Airport Services Joint Stock Company (SASCO) tells PAX International how it found success throughout the lockdown and its focus moving forward – plus, a refreshed menu for Bamboo Airways.
During the lockdown, SASCO changed the direction of its catering approach to supply meals for offices that were still open, home deliveries, retail meals and convenience store meals. It was key for the caterer to modify in this direction in order to succeed, said Keerthi “Happy” Hapugasdeniya, SASCO General Manager, Inflight Services. And, he has advice for others.
Having local stores as customers can help airlines through a period like the one the industry is experiencing, he says. “There is no reason to wait until aircraft are back in the air. The same people who used to fly are now at home, so the food is needed. They will know it is produced with the best possible care by an airline caterer.”
FLC Group-owned Vietnam airline Bamboo Airways will feature a new localized menu from SASCO Inflight Service Center (IFS) when it resumes flights. The catering facility at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Ming City is fully certified HACCP and a Halal accredited operation. It has the capability to serve more than 10,000 meals per day. Bamboo Airways became SASCO IFS’ first airline customer in early 2020 following the launch of the catering arm on January 1, 2020.
“We are here to service all hospitality needs,” says Happy. “Our kitchen and Inflight Service Center is designed to take on any industry challenges and fulfill any lacking services for the industry.”
He adds: “We are here to serve you. Good luck to all of you.”